Kits + Quilting

Moda Fabrics Modern Building Blocks : Fresh Lemons Quilts

With the kids in school, it's been a remarkably productive couple of days over here. The house is clean, dinner has been planned ahead each night, I've actually gone to the gym (shocking!!) and I've even spent busy chunks of time in my sewing room.

This week I also received a great package in the mail. Last week I ordered Moda Fabric's Modern Building Blocks pattern and kit. I remember seeing this quilt at market and it was one of those stop-you-in-your-tracks moments for me. I love Moda's Bella Solids and the colors in this quilt, along with the layout of the blocks, really spoke to me. I cannot wait to make this (even if it will have to wait in line a bit until I'm done with other commitments).

Also, I love the packaging of this kit. I was joking on Instagram that whoever came up with it deserves a promotion! Wouldn't this make a beautiful birthday or Christmas gift for a quilter? (Husbands...hint hint!)

The inside has all the fabrics, layout and assembly directions, as well as this handy set of double sided cards with all the block patterns.

You can buy this kit at a few of my sponsors:

Pink Chalk Fabrics

(pattern only, no fabric)

The Loopy Ewe

(fabric kit with pattern)

Fat Quarter Shop

(fabric kit with pattern)

Fat Quarter Shop

(fabric kit with pattern - PREORDER if link above sold out)

Fat Quarter Shop

(pattern only, no fabric)

Lark Cottons

So, besides drooling over this kit for the last few days, I've also been working on my sadly neglected Arkansas Traveler quilt! I basted it yesterday while watching Call the Midwife on Netflix. Wow, what a great show (even if it does make me cry at every episode!).

I started quilting in the blue fabric areas using a coordinating blue thread I had on hand - Aurifil's Color Me Happy by V & Co's set. It's #2775 in a 50wt (orange spool). I'm still debating whether or not to quilt the cream fabrics (with an off white thread) or leave them unquilted, giving it a slightly poofy look.

I'm using my Bernina Stitch Regulator (BSR) which I just realized I've been using for 5 years! Obviously I've had a lot of time to practice with it. I've had some people ask for tips on using it.

• I don't go too slow or too fast. I try to find a nice, middle of the road speed and stick to it. It might help to get some music (not too crazy now!) with a consistent rhythm and play that while you sew, to get in a nice groove.

• I use Bernina's single hole stitch plate when stitching straight lines.

• For a while I found that when I was stopping stitching (like to remove a pin), I was taking my foot off the pedal while still moving the fabric slightly. Not good, this leads to messed up stitches. Stop completely before taking your foot off the pedal. When you stop moving the fabric, the stitching will stop as well. (At least does when I use BSR 2).

• If you are feeling like your fabric is getting stuck and you have to pull it (leading to messed up stitches), lessen your pressure foot setting. I've had to do this with some fabrics that just didn't seem to slide well under my foot. Other's swear by using something called the Supreme Slider on their machine. I don't have one though.

• And then just practice, practice, practice. When I first sat down to use the BSR I thought I would turn my machine on and suddenly my quilting would be perfect. Um, it wasn't. lol I needed to still practice. If you still aren't getting the results you think you should be getting, ask if you can bring your machine into your dealer and have them watch you quilt on your machine. I'm sure they will have tips as well.

I'm halfway finished with the blue and about to go upstairs and get cracking again. I can't wait to (finally!) share this completed quilt with you soon!